·        Fishing Ground Issue: Indian and Sri Lankan fishermen contend over fishing grounds in the Palk Bay, leading to frequent conflicts due to unclear maritime boundaries.

·        Maritime Boundary Agreements:

o   1974 Agreement: Defined sovereignty and jurisdiction over respective waters. Allowed limited fishing rights but prohibited activities like resting and net drying on Katchatheevu.

o   1976 Agreement: Established the maritime boundary without consulting the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, causing discontent among Indian fishermen.

·        Katchatheevu Issue: India ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974, impacting traditional fishing rights of Indian fishermen in the area.

·        Sri Lankan Civil War (1983): Escalated tensions as Indian Tamil fishermen clashed with the Sri Lankan navy, resulting in casualties and loss of livelihoods due to accidental border crossings.

·        Bottom Trawling: Widely practiced by Indian fishermen, bottom trawling is controversial for its environmental impact on marine ecosystems.

·        Tamil Nadu Marine Fishing Regulation (1983): Limits mechanized fishing boats to operate beyond 3 nautical miles from the coast, pushing fishermen towards the disputed waters.

·        Inefficient Joint Working Group (JWG): Established in 2016 to address fishery-related issues but has held only a few meetings, highlighting challenges in cooperation and resolution of disputes.

o   Key Functions:

Ø  Examine Arrests Near IMBL: Evaluate the feasibility of not arresting fishermen straying within five nautical miles of the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) on either side.

Ø  Humanitarian Release: Discuss the possibility of releasing small fishing boats and their crews on humanitarian grounds.

Ø  Naval Coordination: Enhance cooperation and coordination between the naval forces of both countries to combat illegal fishing activities in the region.